Don’t miss the medieval dungeons of Castello Estense, a moated structure in the center of the city. The castle was begun in the 14th century, after a violent riot convinced Nicollo II d’Este, a local nobleman, that his palace was no longer sufficiently protected to guarantee his family’s safety. Construction began in 1385 under the direction of architect Bartolino da Novara, and a wooden passageway soon linked the Este family’s old residence to the new castle, allowing residents to flee from one to the other. Though many of its sections are now used as government offices, you can still visit the castle’s cross-vaulted living rooms, court kitchens, chapels, and the claustrophobic dungeons, which were once used as prison cells and torture chambers. The site also includes a small cafe and a bookshop. Our Ferrara trip itinerary maker makes visiting Castello Estense and other Ferrara attractions simple, and helps you make a travel plan personal to you.
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Castello Estense reviews
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The first rooms are large and largely empty apart from detailed (wordy) information boards, but stick with it as the better decorated rooms and exhibitions come later. The Boldini exhibition was a... more »
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The castle is hugely impressive from the outside but the museum is less so. Some rooms are just text and photos. The rooms with frescoes are spoilt by masses of tape applied to the images for... more »
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Great castle! A huge part of Ferrara history. I recommend a visit, is totally worth it!
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Views of Building structure is awesome. People are very cool younger and older are all good.
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